Anna von Boetticher is a freediving champion, and she joins us today to share her profound insights into the fascinating world of freediving, its disciplines, risks, and the incredible adaptability of the human body. Discover how mental strength, safety protocols, and physiological limits can be used in other sports involving risk and pushing yourself to the limits. Topics include...

• Diving underneath the ice of Greenland without SCBA
• The discipline and rules of freediving
• Physiological limits of the human body
• Carryover of freediving training to other sports, including jiu-jitsu
• Mental strength and managing your fear
• Shallow water blackout, the biggest risk in freediving
• Risk management in freediving and other extreme sports
• Training techniques adapted for the Navy SEALS and rescue professionals
• The importance of self-awareness in extreme sports

Follow Anna on Instagram at @freediveanna

Check out The Strenuous Life Podcast on our YouTube channel as well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIdxKkoOmxU

Cheers,
Stephan Kesting

Thrilled to have James Deirmendjian on the podcast to discuss why jiu-jitsu might NOT be for everyone, the benefits of training with practitioners from diverse backgrounds, balancing training and a career, and creating camaraderie through jiu-jitsu.

Follow James on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/fight_fit_training/

Most people know that BJJ descended from Kodokan Judo which came from traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu systems. But the Kodokan was initially quite weak at the groundfighting aspect of grappling, and it wasn't until it brushed up against other systems specialising in ne-waza or groundwork that it became a well-rounded art. In this episode we are joined by Martial Arts historian (and BJJ practitioner) Oz Austwick who has researched this cross-pollination extensively.

Oz's research focussed on Sadakazu Uyenishi who was among the first to bring jiu-jitsu to Britain, where he performed under the name "Raku". Uyenishi fought all comers, including much larger wrestlers, and toured with Mitsuyo Maeda from the Kodokan BEFORE moving to Brazil and triggering the creation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Oz argues that Uyenishi was almost certainly a huge hidden influence in the creation of BJJ.

Check out the limited edition "Raku" gi honoring this extraordinary jiu-jitsu fighter! More info here: https://rikuzame.com/products/the-raku-limited-edition

Cheers!

Stephan Kesting